'They see us as a different species'- Young Irish girls on how unsafe they feel in school

New research has indicated that young Irish girls don't feel safe going to school due to widespread anxiety, pressure, and safety concerns across the country, with the majority viewing boys and men as the 'threat'.

A national survey by The Shona Project, asked over 1,000 young women and non-binary teens between the ages of 12- 19 years how safe they feel attending school. 

The survey revealed that:

• 67% say their school environment is not a safe or welcoming space to all
• 89% carry anxiety or worry that no one knows about
• 79% sometimes feel “no good at all”
• 80% believe their generation faces more challenges than those before
• 70% feel social media negatively affects their mental health

Tammy Darcy, founder of The Shona Project, said, “young women know what’s wrong and they are telling us clearly. This is a call to listen and to act. We need to reflect the views of our young women in the systems that shape their lives.

"The Shona Project is calling for schools, government, and communities to work with us and other organisations to ensure young women’s voices are heard and we can collectively build a safer, more supportive Ireland for all”.

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One 18-year-old respondent described the school system as “suffocating,” saying: “Our education system is causing bright and talented people to crumble beneath the pressure. The points system is archaic and cruel. The jump to third level is too much – and it shows in dropout rates.”

One in five mentioned concern for their own safety; of which 78% mentioned boys and men as the threat.

61% regularly struggle with negative body image and 68% want better support and resources to talk about difficult feelings

One 16-year-old girl reported; ““I have noticed boys of my generation heading in the opposite direction when it comes to gender equality which frightens me. I find they have little to no respect for girls and women and see us as a different species to them.”

“This study needs to be a catalyst for change,” added Beca Wistreich, Director at The Outcome.

“We now have robust insights into how young people are experiencing life in Ireland and we hope these findings inform meaningful improvements in schools, communities and policies.”

The Shona Project continues to support young women through mentorship programmes, school workshops, and the annual Shine Festival.